Aug 27, 12:36 AM

California GOP Sues Over Maps, Floats Two-State Split Amid Redistricting Fight

California Republicans on Aug. 25 filed their second emergency petition in a week asking the state Supreme Court to block Governor Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan from appearing on the Nov. 4 special-election ballot. The 432-page filing argues Democrats violated the state constitution’s single-subject and public-notice rules when they advanced legislation that would temporarily bypass California’s independent redistricting commission and redraw congressional maps. GOP lawmakers say the proposal, which could shift five U.S. House seats toward Democrats, would erode voter oversight and impose unnecessary election costs. The court rejected an earlier challenge but has not yet acted on the new petition; Secretary of State Shirley Weber declined comment. Two days later, Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher introduced Assembly Joint Resolution 23, calling for California to be divided into separate coastal and inland states in what he terms a “two-state solution.” Gallagher contends that more rural inland counties—home to roughly 10 million residents—are being disenfranchised by Newsom’s redistricting push and chronic policy neglect. The long-shot measure, which would require approval by the Democratic-controlled Legislature and the U.S. Congress, marks the latest in a string of partition proposals dating back to the 19th century.